why can't people just accept that we as humans are meant to explore the unknown

In many ways we ARE all destined to explore, but for each of us, the territory of exploration is different. So different that at times we cannot understand each other's fixation with their chosen area.

Yet we are all Human...

Some explore in Outer Space, some under the sea or under the ground. Many explore in "Relationship Space", where interactions between people are as important in building cultures as the interactions between stars are in building Galaxies.

We must accept, first and foremost that we are a diverse species with multiple interests. It is in our genes to learn and specialise - in "something" - but we are not Ants. We do not specialise in mass units together (normally).

The future must allow flexibility, individuality.

If there is a major threat from space - like an encroaching NEO, then people will flock to learn about Space and Rocketry to defend our lives.

But equally well, the threat to life on Earth can come from Biology - like AIDS or Bird Flu, or Chemistry/Physics - like global warming, or from polito-religion, like Fundamntalism.

Whatever the threat, we will identify it and specialise to oppose it. With luck, our timeframe for learning and multiplying that required skillset will match the threat. THAT is the gamble of Intelligence, of human existence, IMHO...